CNN Films announced today it is producing an “authorized yet unfiltered documentary” of comedian Chevy Chase named for one of his most famous “Saturday Night Live” catch phrases, “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not.”
Marina Zenovich, a two-time Emmy winner for “Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired” as well as films like “Lance” and “Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind,” is directing the biographical doc about Chase, and CNN plans to release the film in 2026. Specific details about the film’s release weren’t announced, but it’s expected the film will be available on CNN platforms and later on HBO Max.
“I understand CNN is going to release a documentary about me. I’m delighted and I hope I’m in it,” Chase said in a statement.
The film will look at Chase’s career beginning on “Saturday Night Live” through his roles as one of the bigger Hollywood comedy stars of his day in films like “Caddyshack,” “Fletch,” the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” franchise, “Three Amigos!,” and later in his career in “Hot Tub Time Machine” and on the series “Community.” But it will also also explore how he is a “complex and contradictory human being, full of outsized gifts and striking flaws.” The film interviews Chase, his family, friends, and co-stars.
The film is presented by CNN Films and West Buttermilk in association with Propagate Content and Five All in the Fifth Productions and produced by PMZ Pictures.
“I’ve always loved Chevy’s comedy and have been curious as to what makes him tick. That’s what I’m hoping to find out with this film,” said Zenovich.
“Comedy has consistently resonated with CNN audiences from our success with three seasons of ‘The History of Comedy’ to ‘Have I Got News For You’ to documentaries about comedic icons,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent and content development for CNN Worldwide. “We know our viewers will be fascinated by Marina’s revealing examination of the legend behind the laughs”
“Chevy’s fearless wit and groundbreaking work have made him a defining force in American comedy,” said Howard Owens, founder and chief executive officer, Propagate Content. “With unprecedented access to those who know him best, Marina Zenovich pulls back the curtain on a larger-than-life artist, directing with honesty, nuance, and heart. It’s a raw, intimate portrait of a true original — and we’re proud to help bring it to life with CNN Films.”
CNN as part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Upfronts presentation on Wednesday also announced another feature documentary called “In the Prime of Life” about how cases of “early onset” cancer for people in between ages 18-49 have become increasingly prevalent. That film is directed by Janet Tobias and will also be released in 2026.
CNN also extended some of its original series including “Eva Longoria: Search for France” and “Have I Got News For You” with Roy Wood Jr. And earlier this month, CNN partnered with Magnolia to acquire “Prime Minister,” a documentary that premiered at Sundance about New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern.
